Perhaps Ruben Amorim has realized the first problems after Man United's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. If you follow The Red Devils this season, the scale of the challenge Amorim faces is not a surprise.
The problem is not the number of jobs, it is the spirit and structure of the team at the moment. Man United's performances since the beginning of the season show that this is a team lacking in vitality. The match at Portman Road illustrated a disjointed formation, players moving aimlessly, and the ball rolling as if no one really wanted to control it.
There were many situations where the "Red Devils" defense passed the ball back and forth but did not create any angles or gaps to break the pressure from Ipswich. Off the touchline, Ruben Amorim has repeatedly shown disappointment at witnessing a lack of connection between the lines in the squad.
Joshua Zirkzee, a player expected to shine, showed a lackluster playing style and did not leave any highlights after coming on. This is not the image that Man United fans want to see from a team that was once a symbol of determination and winning spirit.
Ruben Amorim's team had a good start when it only took 82 seconds to score the opening goal. From a quick attack on the right wing, Amad Diallo had an impressive acceleration before crossing for Marcus Rashford to easily tap the ball into the net. This was a move created by Amorim's tactical arrangement, showing the potential of the new squad.
However, this joy did not last long. After the goal, Man United could not maintain the pressure. The midfield is loose and unstructured, leaving many gaps for Ipswich to exploit. As a result, the home team found a worthy equalizer thanks to Omari Hutchison, who created a lot of trouble in front of Andre Onana's goal.
Ruben Amorim hardly sat on the coaching bench throughout the match. The Portuguese strategist did not shout or give enthusiastic instructions. Instead, the new Man United captain walked quietly close to the touchline, observing and reflecting. It seemed that Amorim understood that he was facing a difficult job ahead.
Man United's problem lies not only in individual players but also in the tactical structure and team spirit. Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans, 3 names with a lot of experience but lacking dynamism, could not ensure a balance between defense and attack. Meanwhile, although Amad Diallo and Rashford had explosive moments, they were still not stable enough to carry the team.
The Man United midfield was easily penetrated, allowing Ipswich to dominate with neat triangles. If it weren't for the brilliance of Andre Onana, the result could have been even worse on Ruben Amorim's debut.
The 39-year-old knows that he is taking over a team that is lacking in both tactics and spirit. However, a clear understanding of the team's current situation could be the first step towards a rebuild.
Man United need a comprehensive revolution, from improving tactical structure to rebuilding fighting spirit. With talent and composure, Amorim still showed signs of being the right person to lead the Old Trafford team through this difficult period.
